Question about the Full Breath

December 10th, 2007

I have recently completed the 101 Webcourse, which I found really helpful. I have continued to meditate twice a day and feel that I am getting more rhythm in my life generally. Since completing the course, I have been going back over each of the stages of the practice and I am currently focusing on the Touching the Heart practice which I particularly like. I know that to do the practice “properly”, I have to combine imagining touching the heart with the full or swinging breath. However, when I’ve had enough of the full/swinging breath and feel that I need a gentler experience, I have been doing the Rhythmic Breath and combining imagining touching the heart. Is this ok to do this as a “rest” from the full/swinging breath? I like it as I find it subtler but very powerful.
Love,Delia

Dear Delia,
It is perfectly fine to use the Rhythmic Breath with the Touching the Heart meditation. As you know, the advantage of the Swinging Breath is that it uses a full breath, and people generally need more breath, especially when working with the heart. I think as you get more experience with the full breath, you will feel more at home with it, and not need a break from it. It provides so much energy for the meditation. But you know best, and if you want a gentler experience, and you aren’t worried about falling into a sleep state, then just breathe rhythmically without a full breath, what we call the Rhythmic Breath.
Thank you for asking,
Love,

Puran

Entry Filed under: The Heart, Meditation